**W59**
The W59 was a United States thermonuclear warhead developed during the Cold War era. It was primarily designed for use on the Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, entering service in the early 1960s.
## Development and Design
The W59 warhead was developed by the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory as part of efforts to enhance the U.S. strategic nuclear arsenal. It featured a boosted fission primary and a thermonuclear secondary stage, delivering a yield of approximately 1 megaton of TNT. The design emphasized reliability and compactness to fit the Minuteman I missile’s payload constraints.
## Deployment and Retirement
Deployed in 1962, the W59 served as a key component of the United States’ nuclear deterrent during the height of the Cold War. It was eventually retired and replaced by more advanced warheads in the 1970s as missile technology and warhead designs evolved.
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**Meta Description:**
The W59 was a U.S. thermonuclear warhead used on Minuteman I ICBMs during the Cold War, known for its 1-megaton yield and compact design. It was deployed in the early 1960s and retired in the 1970s.